Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
THE long-awaited new passenger and cargo ferry began operating yesterday on Lake Kariba, restoring water transport on the busy Kariba-Chalala route,with Government intensifying patrols and spot checks on boats and fishing rigs operating along the Lake.
MV Silverstone, operated by Most High Ferries, was officially launched last month and is expected to fill the gap left by MV RIDA Mbuya Nehanda, which capsized on August 11, killing 97 people.
The MV Silverstone can carry 60 passengers and four crew members and has been certified to transport both passengers and cargo.
In an interview, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Advocate Felix Mhona confirmed the developments.
“Remember we launched the new ferry, and we had to wait for the traditional rites to be completed. The go-ahead was given and the ferry has since started operating.
“But eventually RIDA will procure two additional boats and while we are undertaking procurement processes, the MV Silverstone is covering the gap which was left by RIDA boat. And our Lake Captain has gone through the necessary approvals of the boat in terms of safety issues and compliance, so they are ready to start,” he said.
In another interview, Most High Ferries director, Mr Hillard Mangove, confirmed that operations have since started and he reiterated that the company had put additional safety measures in place.
The ferry will carry at least 120 life jackets and floaters, almost double its passenger and crew capacity, while two speedboats will accompany the vessel.
The vessel will operate along the Kariba-Chalala route, with stops at the Kings Camp Fishing Camp and Musambakaruma Fishing Camp.
A trip from Kariba to King’s Camp will cost US$8, while passengers travelling to Musambakaruma will pay US$13 and those travelling to Chalala will pay US$15 each.
The development comes after traditional leaders in Kariba held a two-day cleansing ceremony following the disaster, with the rituals led by Chief Mola and Chief Priest Lusinga at sites including Snake Island, Kariba Island and the dam wall.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has also intensified patrols and spot checks on boats and fishing rigs that are operating along Lake Kariba.
This is being done through the Department of Inland Waters Control, led by Captain Lameck Chitenga.
In a statement, the ministry confirmed the development.
“The Department of Inland Waters Control, led by Captain Lameck Chitenga, is conducting spot checks on boats and Kapenta fishing rigs to verify certificates of fitness and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
“These checks help protect anglers, fishers and everyone enjoying Zimbabwe’s waters. Stay safe, keep your documents up to date and let’s make every trip on Lake Kariba a responsible one,” the ministry said.
